Structural Temples of Gujarat

SR No.: 006728
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kantilal F Sompura
Publisher: Gujarat University Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 868
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 31 MB

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The Structural Temples of Gujarat of architecture have given importance to the shape of the śikhara while classifying the styles of the temples. The regional or geographical distribution or racial origin is secondary; the primary one is the shape of the temple. Similarly the origin of a particular architectural form cannot be definitely ascribed to any religious sect. Thus it is a misnomer to designate any type of a temple architecture as specifically Buddhist, Jain or Brhmanical. The Nāgara style of temple architecture, for instance, applies not only to Siva and Vişņu temples, but also to Jain temples as well, as is evident from the various Jain temples of Rajsthana and Gujarat.
The Nāgara style is represented in modern terms as the North Indian or Indo-Aryan style, while the Drāvida style is now known as the Dravidian or South Indian style. The Vesara style is not much accepted as a distinct style in modern works on Indian architecture. Some of the scholars of Indian architecture are of opinion that the Vesara style was prevalent in South and the temples belonging to that style were built by the later Cālukyas in the Kanarese Districts, and by Hoysala dynasty in Mysore. 14
The architectural monuments of temples in Gujarat generally belong to the Nāgara style.
The two distinct prominent features of the Nāgara style are revealed one in planning and the other in elevation.
1. In plan it is always a square with a number or offsets
or lateral projections in the middle of each side, which
give it the shape almost of cruciform. 2. In elevation it exhibits a higher tower (Sikhara)
gradually inwards in a convex curve, for we have the term 'Sukanāsa Sikhara' ( i. e. the Sikhara which is curved like the parrot's beak ) in the Purāņas.
14. Vide H. T. p. 291